The Power of Positive Self-Talk

(Helping Kids Succeed in School)

The Power of Positive Self-Talk: Helping Kids Succeed in School

Children often face academic challenges not because they lack ability, but because of negative self-talk during times of struggle. When a child consistently thinks, “I’m just not good at math,” or “I always get this wrong,” these thoughts can undermine their performance. Thankfully, emerging research offers simple yet powerful tools to change this narrative.

A study published in Child Development explored the impact of self-talk on children’s academic performance, particularly in math. In this randomized field experiment, 212 students in grades 4 to 6 were assigned to one of three groups: one practiced effort-based self-talk (“I will do my very best!”), another practiced ability-based self-talk (“I am very good at this!”), and the third had no self-talk intervention. The study found that for students with negative beliefs about their abilities, effort-based self-talk significantly improved their math performance.

This research highlights the importance of focusing on effort rather than fixed ability. When students affirm their willingness to try and persist, they develop a more resilient, growth-oriented mindset. This shift can be especially transformative for children who doubt their own abilities.

Why Effort-Based Self-Talk Is So Effective
Effort-based self-talk emphasizes what a child can control: their effort, persistence, and attitude. Unlike ability-based affirmations, which can feel false when a child is struggling, effort-focused statements encourage perseverance. Over time, this helps students see challenges as opportunities to grow, rather than as evidence of their inadequacy.

Here are some simple positive self-talk phrases children can learn and use during academic tasks:

Effort-Focused Phrases
● “I will give it my best shot.”
● “It’s okay to make mistakes. I’m learning.”
● “I can try again if I don’t get it the first time.”
● “I’ve done hard things before—I can do this too.”

Problem-Solving Phrases
● “What’s another way I can solve this?”
● “I’ll take it one step at a time.”
● “I might not get it yet, but I’m getting closer.”

Calming Phrases
● “I’m feeling overwhelmed, but I can do this.”
● “I can take a deep breath and try again.”
● “One problem at a time—I don’t have to do it all at once.”

How Adults Can Support Positive Self-Talk
Parents, teachers, and caregivers can play a key role in helping children adopt more helpful inner dialogue.

Here are a few simple strategies:

● Model it. Let children hear adults using positive, effort-based self-talk when facing challenges.
● Praise effort, not just outcomes. Instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” try, “You worked really hard on that.”
● Use visual reminders or motivational quotes. Sticky notes, posters, or bookmarks with positive phrases can be placed in learning spaces.
● Practice together. Encourage children to say one positive phrase out loud before beginning homework or tests.

When children change the way they talk to themselves, they can improve how they perform in school. Positive self-talk—especially when it focuses on effort and resilience—can help children overcome self-doubt and build confidence, both in the classroom and beyond.